Maine Hardware

I like to go to local stores whenever possible, and so went to Maine Hardware for a small item, even though I live closer to two “big box” hardware stores. The first employee I encountered was pleasant enough, although actually seemed anxious to help me more than I actually wanted his help (maybe because I’m a not-so-little old lady?). I did find what I needed and went to the checkout, where I encountered one of the rudest, probably sexist, possibly racist workers I have ever met. He was dismissive and cranky with an older woman of color and very snippy with me when I tried to help. It will be a long time before I put myself in that situation again, so back to the big boxes it is. Too bad.

Every time I have been there, there has been someone incredibly helpful who pointed me in exactly the right direction and gave in depth options and information. I never had to look for help or feel I was troubling someone. In fact, between the two people who helped me, there was probably over 49 years experience at Maine Hardware. The last time was for an LED shower light retrofit. There is no replacing a store like this. The box stores have their place, I suppose, but I will go to Maine Hardware (and a local Aubuchon in Wells) every time unless there is absolutely no option. And also, the prices are just as good and even better with the rewards.

There aren't a lot of three-star reviews, I see. Most love the store, a few hate it. It pains me to write a mediocre review of this store. But I must. There is a lot to like about this store. It is large and some employees are knowledgeable. It participates in some local events. The store is certainly not a discount store, and given that, and the fact that it is so large, there is no excuse that it doesn't provide restrooms even to customers. Today after making a purchase, I asked to use a restroom, and was told that they have none, and sent to the store next door. When I went to that store, they told me that it in fact has no public restroom. That store was also surprisingly rude about it. None of which contributes to a positive experience for the customer. This store is in a walkable area, and I was on foot. I had enjoyed browsing through the store at a leisurely pace. They want you to feel at home here, but what's friendly about not letting a customer use a restroom? I came back in and told them about my experience next door, and no one seem concerned about it. One employee did tell me that they have a restroom, but that the restroom is in terrible shape. They expect me to take their home improvement DIY advice, even though they have access to parts at wholesale prices and supposedly the expertise to do a job, and yet cannot figure out how to provide a functional restroom even to their own customers? I hope that people who shop at Portland stores start to take a stand against stores that do this to us. This is probably the largest store I've ever been in that does not provide a restroom to its customers. I've decided that I will not give a five star review to any store that ought to provide a restroom and doesn't. I encourage others to follow suit. Of course, small bakeries with no seating and the like are different. This is a huge store, in a walkable area, that marks its products up enough that it ought to have the funds to provide the most basic of amenities, and yet doesn't. You will hear many excuses, often relating to liability over drug overdoses. I find it hard to believe that they thought that someone who came in to buy lightbulbs and other hardware items was actually just looking for a quiet place to shoot up heroin. Give me a break. And look it up; stores don't get sued by people who overdose in their bathrooms. What judge is unhinged enough to buy that that is the store's fault? The fact is, you will never be hassled at Lowe's or told to go next door in order to use the restroom. And unfortunately that's probably where I'll be going next.

Terrible customer service. Went up to the older tall guy with glasses and potbelly and said “excuse me “ as I needed help locating an item. He snapped at me “What!” So I asked him where the item was that I was looking for. “It’s over there!” in a very rude way. I absolutely will not patronize a business that treats its customers like that. Will not go purchase one more item from that place.

Pretty sure I reviewed Maine hardware in the past and you know honestly generally speaking I love the place. It's like a traditional main hardware store almost everything you need and generally really good service. I have to say today though was a different story and unfortunately it's been a bit of a reoccurring theme. I understand people are busy and not able to help you instantly but nothing makes me crazier than when people walk right by you several times and don't bother stop or even ask if they can get somebody else to help you. I was in the store today and a gentleman was buying a chainsaw and clearly his need for a chainsaw was far greater than my need for a chain. Even trying to look up the chain I got kicked off the computer trying to get the part number so will I be back I don't know I mean if The service isn't going to be better than Lowe's or home Depot I can just go down the road and get the stuff I need myself.. And actually not that anybody that works there is going to see this but my bar and chain purchase today will be made at the aubuchon in Farmington... Sorry Main hardware.